History of Rikers Island in Timeline

Rikers Island, a 413-acre island situated in the East River in the Bronx, serves as the location of New York City's most extensive jail complex.

1922: Court Order Prohibits Ocean Dumping of Garbage, Leading to Increased Waste on Rikers Island

In 1922, a court ruling barred New York City from dumping garbage into the ocean, leading to a surge in waste being transported to Rikers Island, further exacerbating the island's existing garbage problem.

1925: Proposal for Men's Jail on Rikers Island

As early as 1925, New York City officials expressed interest in constructing a jail for male inmates on Rikers Island to address overcrowding and deteriorating conditions at the existing jail on Welfare Island.

1932: Opening of Rikers Island Jail

The jail on Rikers Island was opened in 1932.

1934: Description of Phosphorescent Fires on Rikers Island

In 1934, a warden vividly described the frequent phosphorescent fires on Rikers Island, caused by the combustion of coal ash and incinerator waste, likening the nighttime spectacle to a "forest of Christmas trees."

1935: Completion of the House of Detention for Men

The House of Detention for Men (HDM), the initial penitentiary building on Rikers Island, was finished in 1935.

1939: Robert Moses' Efforts to Clean Up Rikers Island

Concerned about the unsightly appearance of Rikers Island, particularly as a backdrop to the 1939 World's Fair, "master builder" Robert Moses spearheaded efforts to clean up the island and redirect the city's garbage disposal to alternative locations.

1939: Land from Rikers Island Used for North Beach Airport Construction

In 1939, approximately 200 acres of land were excavated from Rikers Island and utilized to fill in areas during the construction of North Beach Airport (later renamed LaGuardia Airport).

1943: Expansion of Rikers Island

Rikers Island underwent a significant expansion through landfill projects, increasing its size from 90 acres to 415 acres by 1943.

February 1, 1957: Northeast Airlines Flight 823 Crashes on Rikers Island

On February 1, 1957, Northeast Airlines Flight 823 crashed on Rikers Island shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport, resulting in 20 fatalities and 78 injuries among the 95 passengers and 6 crew members.

1965: Salvador Dalí Drawing Displayed at Rikers Island

A drawing by artist Salvador Dalí, intended as an apology for his inability to deliver an art talk to inmates at Rikers Island, was put on display in the inmate dining room of the J.A.T.C. (formerly HDM) in 1965.

November 1966: Francis Buono Bridge Opens, Providing Road Access to Rikers Island

The Francis Buono Bridge, a three-lane bridge spanning 4,200 feet, was inaugurated in November 1966 by Mayor John Lindsay, establishing the sole road connection to Rikers Island from Queens.

1981: Relocation of Dalí Drawing Within Rikers Island

In 1981, the Salvador Dalí drawing, originally displayed in the inmate dining room of the J.A.T.C. (formerly HDM), was moved to the prison lobby of E.M.T.C. (C76) for enhanced security and preservation.

1986: Court Ruling Limits Strip Searches

In 1986, a federal court ruled against strip searches for individuals arrested on misdemeanor charges, a practice that was routinely conducted at Rikers Island, even for minor offenses.

1989: Construction Begins on Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center Barge

The construction of the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center (VCBC), an 800-bed barge, commenced in 1989 at the Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans.

1991: Significant Drop in Rikers Population

By 1991, the average daily population at Rikers Island had significantly decreased from its peak, indicating a trend of reducing the inmate population.

1992: Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center Opens

The Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center (VCBC) was towed from Louisiana to New York City and began operations as a correctional facility in 1992, initially leased to the NYC Department of Juvenile Justice to accommodate inmates during the reconstruction of Spofford Juvenile Center.

1993: Founding of United Blood Nation at Rikers Island

The United Blood Nation, a prominent prison gang, was established in 1993 within the confines of the George Mochen Detention Center at Rikers Island by Omar Portee and Leonard McKenzie.

2000: Closure of the James A. Thomas Center (Former HDM)

The James A. Thomas Center, formerly known as the House of Detention for Men (HDM), ceased operations and was permanently shut down in 2000 due to structural deterioration and safety hazards.

2001: Reinforcement of Strip Search Ban

A 2001 ruling in New York reaffirmed the illegality of strip searches for those arrested on misdemeanors, leading to a $50 million payout by the city to thousands subjected to these searches.

2001: Court Ruling Declares Strip Searches Illegal

In 2001, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that strip searches of misdemeanor suspects were unlawful unless officials had reasonable suspicion of contraband possession.

2002: Court Settlement Prohibiting Strip Searches

A court settlement in 2002 prohibited the New York City Department of Corrections from conducting strip searches on individuals arrested for misdemeanors unless there was reasonable suspicion of contraband.

March 2003: Theft of Salvador Dalí Drawing from Rikers Island

In March 2003, a valuable drawing by renowned artist Salvador Dalí was stolen from Rikers Island, where it had been displayed in the inmate dining room of the J.A.T.C. (formerly HDM) from 1965 to 1981 before being relocated to the prison lobby of E.M.T.C. (C76) for safekeeping. The stolen artwork was replaced with a counterfeit, leading to the arrest and charging of three correctional officers and an assistant deputy warden.

2003: Sale of Staten Island Ferry Boats Used as Inmate Housing

Around 2003, two smaller 1950s-era Staten Island Ferry boats, previously converted to house inmates, were sold for salvage.

December 2005: Closure of Segregated LGBT Unit

In December 2005, Rikers Island closed its segregated unit for LGBT prisoners, citing security concerns. The unit, known as "gay housing", had existed since the 1970s to protect LGBT inmates from abuse. A new protective custody system replaced it, drawing criticism for its 23-hour lockdown policy and stricter requirements for inmates seeking protection.

October 4, 2006: Assault on Inmate and Cover-Up

On October 4, 2006, Captain Sherman Graham assaulted an inmate at the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers Island. Graham then ordered correctional academy recruits to falsify reports to say the assault was in self-defense. Assistant Deputy Warden Gail Lewis, Graham's supervisor, also submitted a false report.

October 2006: Anti-Corruption Presentation Leads to Tip

In October 2006, following an anti-corruption presentation at the correctional academy on Rikers Island, a tip was received by the Department of Investigation that initiated an investigation into the assault cover-up by Captain Graham and Assistant Deputy Warden Lewis.

June 1, 2007: Arrest for Assault Cover-Up

On June 1, 2007, Captain Sherman Graham and Assistant Deputy Warden Gail Lewis were arrested for covering up an assault on an inmate at the Robert N. Davoren Center (RNDC) on Rikers Island that occurred on October 4, 2006.

October 4, 2007: NYC Admits to Illegal Strip Searches

On October 4, 2007, the New York City Department of Corrections acknowledged that tens of thousands of nonviolent inmates arrested on misdemeanors were subjected to illegal strip searches, violating a 2002 court settlement, and making them eligible for compensation.

February 2008: Indictment of Officer for Using Inmates as Enforcers

Correctional officer Lloyd Nicholson was indicted in February 2008 for using teenage inmates as enforcers under a system called "the program" and for allegedly assaulting inmates himself.

July 2008: Alleged Sexual Assault

In July 2008, an inmate at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island was allegedly sexually assaulted in her cell. The incident was reported to central command at 7:30 a.m. on July 3, 2008, and the victim was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center.

August 5, 2008: Alleged Rape Case Reported

On August 5, 2008, The Village Voice reported on an alleged rape case in July 2008 at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island, where an inmate claimed to have been sexually assaulted in her cell.

2008: Scandals Plague Rikers Island

The year 2008 saw numerous scandals at Rikers Island, including officers supplying contraband to an accused cop killer, the indictment of an officer for using inmates as enforcers, and the suicide of a young inmate in a high-security unit.

February 4, 2009: The New York Times Exposes Guard Complicity in Violence

On February 4, 2009, The New York Times revealed a pattern of Rikers guards being complicit in or encouraging inmate violence, highlighting lawsuits and settlements related to these issues.

December 2009: Lewis Retires with Pension

In December 2009, Assistant Deputy Warden Gail Lewis, who was charged in the assault cover-up at Rikers Island, was able to retire and keep her pension despite the charges against her.

May 14, 2012: Guilty Verdict in Assault Cover-Up Case

On May 14, 2012, Captain Graham and Assistant Deputy Warden Lewis were found guilty by a Bronx jury on all charges related to the assault cover-up of an inmate at the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers Island.

August 7, 2012: Sentencing for Assault Cover-Up

On August 7, 2012, Captain Graham and former Assistant Deputy Warden Lewis were sentenced to 500 hours of community service and ordered to pay $1,000 in fines for their roles in covering up the assault of an inmate on Rikers Island.

August 18, 2012: Inmate Dies After Ingesting Detergent

On August 18, 2012, inmate Jason Echevarria died after ingesting powdered detergent, which was provided to inmates to clean up a sewage leak. Despite exhibiting severe pain and vomiting, Echevarria was denied medical attention. His death was ruled a homicide due to neglect and denial of medical care.

December 19, 2012: Inmate Seeks Medical Attention, Incident Occurs

On December 19, 2012, Ronald Spear, an inmate awaiting trial at Rikers Island, left his dormitory and requested medical attention. Spear, who suffered from kidney failure, walked with a cane and wore a "risk of fall" bracelet. The details of the incident that followed are not provided in this excerpt.

2012: Report on Solitary Confinement of Adolescents

In 2012, the New York City Department of Correction reported that over 14.4 percent of adolescents detained at Rikers Island between 16 and 18 years old were placed in solitary confinement at least once during their detention, with an average stay of 43 days. The report also noted over 48 percent of these adolescents had diagnosed mental health problems.

May 2013: Rikers Island Ranked Among Worst Correctional Facilities

In May 2013, a report in Mother Jones magazine identified Rikers Island as one of the ten worst correctional facilities in the United States, citing concerns about violence, abuse, and neglect.

June 2013: Kalief Browder Released from Rikers Island

After being held for three years without trial at Rikers Island, Kalief Browder was released in June 2013. Browder had been imprisoned at 16 years old, accused of stealing a backpack, and his family couldn't afford his $3,000 bail.

June 2013: Bradley Ballard Sent to Rikers Island

Bradley Ballard, who had schizophrenia and diabetes, was sent to Rikers Island in June 2013 for a parole violation related to an address change.

September 4, 2013: Bradley Ballard Placed in Solitary Confinement

On September 4, 2013, Bradley Ballard was placed in solitary confinement as punishment for allegedly making inappropriate gestures towards a female correctional officer.

2013: Reports of Excessive Force and Inmate Injuries

In 2013, reports emerged of widespread inmate injuries resulting from altercations with prison guards at Rikers Island. The New York Times reported that over an 11-month period, 129 inmates, with a majority diagnosed with mental illness, suffered serious injuries exceeding the treatment capacity of prison doctors.

January 2014: Inmate Dies After Denied Seizure Medication

Rolando Perez, a 36-year-old inmate with a history of severe seizures, died in January 2014 at Rikers Island after being denied his anti-seizure medication while in solitary confinement. Video evidence showed Perez pleading for his medication before his death, which was attributed to seizure and heart problems.

February 15, 2014: Homeless Veteran Dies from Heat Exposure

On February 15, 2014, Jerome Murdough, a homeless veteran incarcerated for trespassing, was found dead in his cell at Rikers Island. His death was attributed to overexposure to heat, as his cell temperature exceeded 100 degrees. Murdough had been complaining about the heat for hours but was ignored by prison staff. A $2.25 million settlement was reached in connection with his death.

August 2014: Report Condemns Abuse at Rikers Island

In August 2014, US Attorney Preet Bharara released a report detailing systematic abuse and violation of prisoners' rights at Rikers Island. The report highlighted the lack of accountability for correctional officers involved in these incidents, despite numerous instances of abuse.

August 28, 2014: Law Passed for Solitary Confinement Oversight

Following public outrage over abuses at Rikers Island, a law was passed on August 28, 2014, to increase oversight of solitary confinement at the facility. This law mandates quarterly reports on the use of solitary confinement, but does not address guard brutality or limitations on solitary confinement as punishment.

September 29, 2014: Judge Condemns Beating of Mentally Ill Inmate

On September 29, 2014, Judge Tynia Richard strongly criticized the Department of Corrections and recommended firing six correctional officers, including Captain Budnarine Behari, for their roles in the brutal beating of a mentally ill inmate, Robert Hinton. Hinton was hogtied and beaten for protesting his cell transfer by sitting down. The attack occurred two years prior to the ruling and involved multiple inmate beatings by the officers involved.

October 2014: Kalief Browder Profiled in The New Yorker

In October 2014, The New Yorker published a profile of Kalief Browder, detailing his experience of being held at Rikers Island for three years without a trial.

December 2014: Supervisor Convicted in Echevarria Death

In December 2014, Terrence Pendergrass, the supervisor on duty during Jason Echevarria's death, was convicted of denying him medical care, leading to his death.

2014: Mayor de Blasio Implements Reforms at Rikers

Since 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio has been enacting measures to curb abuse at Rikers Island. These reforms include installing more surveillance cameras and enhancing care for mentally ill prisoners.

June 2015: Kalief Browder Dies by Suicide

In June 2015, Kalief Browder died by suicide, hanging himself. Many believe the harsh conditions of his detention at Rikers Island, which included two years in solitary confinement, led to his death. Browder had attempted suicide multiple times while in prison.

June 2015: Pendergrass Sentenced to Prison

In June 2015, Terrence Pendergrass was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the death of Jason Echevarria.

November 2015: Echevarria Family Awarded Settlement

In November 2015, the family of Jason Echevarria received a $3.8 million settlement in connection with his death at Rikers Island.

2015: Increased Violence on Rikers Island

By 2015, violence had escalated at Rikers Island, with 9,424 reported assaults, marking the highest number of incidents in a five-year period.

2015: Transgender Housing Unit Opened

In 2015, a Transgender Housing Unit was opened at Rikers Island, though it had limited capacity. Three years later, due to advocacy from LGBTQ+ groups, the mayor's office announced that the Department of Correction would house inmates according to their gender identity.

2015: Rikers Island Budget and Statistics

In 2015, the Rikers Island correctional facility had a budget of $860 million and employed a staff of 9,000 officers and 1,500 civilians. The facility processed 100,000 admissions per year with an average daily population of 10,000 inmates. Most detainees, 85%, were awaiting trial.

January 25, 2016: President Obama Addresses Solitary Confinement

On January 25, 2016, President Barack Obama, referencing Kalief Browder's case, wrote a Washington Post article criticizing the excessive use of solitary confinement in U.S. jails. He then signed an executive order prohibiting solitary confinement for juveniles in federal prisons.

February 2016: Formation of the Lippman Commission

In February 2016, the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform, known as the Lippman Commission, was formed to review New York City's criminal justice system.

September 2016: March for Rikers Island Closure

In September 2016, a march from Queens Plaza to the Rikers Island Bridge advocated for the closure of the Rikers Island Jail Complex.

November 2, 2016: Eugene "Sonny" Castelle Arrives at Rikers

On November 2, 2016, Staten Island native Eugene "Sonny" Castelle was sent to Rikers Island following his arrest in Florida for heroin possession. This arrest violated a plea agreement related to drug charges in New York.

November 2016: Pause on Additional Facility Construction

In November 2016, plans for a 1,500-bed facility on Rikers Island were put on hold due to the movement to close the complex.

2016: Multiple Convictions in Rikers Island Case

In 2016, Brian Coll was convicted on multiple charges, including death resulting from deprivation of rights, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and filing false forms. He received a 30-year prison sentence. Byron Taylor and Anthony Torres pleaded guilty to related charges, including perjury, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and filing false reports.

2016: City Settles Lawsuit in Bradley Ballard's Death

In 2016, the city of New York agreed to a $5.75 million settlement with the family of Bradley Ballard, who died in solitary confinement at Rikers Island after being denied access to medication and medical treatment.

2016: Significant Increase in Violent Incidents

The New York State Commission of Correction reported a significant increase in violent incidents at Rikers Island between 2016 and 2017.

June 22, 2017: De Blasio Announces 10-Year Shutdown Plan

On June 22, 2017, Mayor de Blasio announced a 10-year plan to shut down Rikers Island, focusing on reducing inmate population, alternative facilities, and reforms like bail reform and improved mental health services.

2017: Proposal for LaGuardia Airport Expansion

A 2017 report suggested reusing Rikers Island after its closure to expand LaGuardia Airport. This plan included a new runway and terminal space to increase flight capacity.

2017: New York State Law Mandates Separation of Juvenile and Adult Inmates

A law enacted in 2017 by New York state mandated the separation of juvenile inmates under the age of 18 from adult populations within correctional facilities, prompting changes in inmate housing practices.

2017: Significant Increase in Violent Incidents

The New York State Commission of Correction reported a significant increase in violent incidents at Rikers Island between 2016 and 2017.

February 2018: Report Cites Violations and Violence at Rikers

In February 2018, the New York State Commission of Correction issued a report highlighting numerous violations at Rikers Island and a surge in violent incidents from 2016 to 2017, potentially leading to earlier closure.

2018: Rikers Island Ends Housing of Juvenile Inmates

In 2018, Rikers Island ceased housing juvenile inmates, marking a significant shift in the facility's operational policies.

June 7, 2019: Layleen Polanco Dies in Solitary Confinement

On June 7, 2019, Layleen Xtravaganza Cubilette-Polanco, a 27-year-old transgender woman, tragically died in solitary confinement at Rikers Island. A six-month investigation revealed that Rikers Island staff members had left Polanco unattended for a period of up to 47 minutes, a violation of the mandatory 15-minute check-in policy for prisoners in solitary confinement.

October 2019: New York City Council Votes to Close Rikers Island

In October 2019, the New York City Council passed a resolution to shut down Rikers Island by 2026.

October 17, 2019: City Council Approves Plan for Closure by 2026

On October 17, 2019, the City Council voted to approve an over $8 billion plan to replace Rikers Island and other city jails with four borough-based jails by 2026.

2019: Settlement Reached in Rolando Perez's Death

In 2019, Perez's girlfriend was awarded $3.5 million in a settlement related to his death at Rikers Island.

2019: Aftermath of Layleen Polanco's Death

In 2019, following the death of Layleen Polanco, a lawsuit was filed alleging wrongful death. The lawsuit claimed that Polanco's epilepsy, a condition well-known to the facility, had been neglected. Security footage indicated that staff did not provide her with potentially life-saving medical attention. This incident sparked widespread calls to abolish cash bail and end pretrial detention. Polanco's death also fueled demands for a ban on solitary confinement in New York City.

March 22, 2020: Inmates Strike Over COVID-19 Concerns

On March 22, 2020, two dorms at Rikers Island initiated a strike to protest the inadequate COVID-19 safety measures. Inmates demanded access to PPE, social distancing protocols, cleaning supplies, and the release of eligible individuals.

February 2021: Former Inmate Criticizes Rikers' Pandemic Response

In February 2021, The New York Times published an article by Michele Evans, a former inmate, criticizing the jail's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2021: Staff Shortages Lead to Chaos and Violence

By October 2021, severe staff shortages at Rikers Island, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in inmates effectively controlling the jail. The New York Times reported widespread lawlessness, violence, and chaos within the facility.

2021: Cost Analysis of Rikers Island Detention

A 2021 analysis conducted by the New York City Comptroller revealed that the cost to detain a single inmate at Rikers Island for one year was approximately $556,539.

2021: Deteriorating Conditions During COVID-19

The conditions on Rikers Island severely worsened in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A confluence of factors, including viral outbreaks, staffing inadequacies, and a surge in mental health difficulties among inmates, led to a reported 15 deaths. This alarming situation prompted Chief Medical Officer Ross McDonald to characterize the jail's conditions as a "new and worsening emergency."